UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology

Greg Hurst
Staff Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Organic and Biological Mass Spectrometry

BS: Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1984)
PhD: Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison (1990)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
PO Box 2008 MS6131
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6131
hurstgb@ornl.gov

Keywords:
Mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry, MALDI, proteins, DNA

Description of Research:
My research interests lie in understanding and applying laser-based mass spectrometric techniques for biomolecule analysis. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is a widely-used technique for analysis of proteins, peptides, and DNA. Using two commercial MALDI-MS instruments and robotic sample preparation capabilities, we are currently refining methods for identifying and characterizing proteins using proteolytic digestion combined with mass spectrometry. To study protein-protein complexes and interactions, we are exploring the powerful combination of crosslinking with subsequent mass spectrometric analysis. As an alternative to gel- or hybridization-based detection of PCR products, we have explored the possibility of using MALDI combined with primers especially designed to yield lower-molecular-weight PCR products.

Selected Publications:

T. Fridman, J. Raxumovskaya, N. Verberkmoes, G. Hurst, V. Protopopescu, and Y. Xu, "The Probability Distribution for a Random Match Between an Experimental-Theoretical spectral Pair in Tandem Mass Spectrometry," J. Bioinformatics and Comp Biology, in press (2005).

N.A. Horn, G.B. Hurst, A. Mayasundari, N.A. Whittemore, E.H. Sepersu and C.B. Peterson, “Assignment of the Four Disulfides in the N-terminal Somatomedin B Domain of Vitronectin: The Disulfide-bonding Pattern of the Domain Isolated from Human Plasma Vitronectin Differs from its Recombinant Counterpart,” J. Biol. Chem. 2004, 279, 35867-35878.

M.B. Strader, N.C. VerBerkmoes, D.L. Tabb, H.M. Connelly, J.W. Barton, B.D. Bruce, D.A. Pelletier, B.H. Davison, R.L. Hettich, F.W. Larimer, and G.B. Hurst, “Characterization of the 70S Ribosome from Rhodopseudomonas palustris using an Integrated “Top-Down” and “Bottom-Up” Mass Spectrometric Approach,” J. Proteome Research 2004, 3, 965-978.

G.B. Hurst, T.K. Lankford and S.J. Kennel, “Mass Spectrometric Detection of Affinity Purified Crosslinked Peptides,” J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 2004, 15, 832-839.

S.A. McLuckey, J. Wu, J.L. Bundy, J.L. Stephenson, Jr., G.B. Hurst, “Oligonucleotide Mixture Analysis via Electrospray and Ion/Ion Reactions in a Quadrupole Ion Trap,” Anal. Chem. 2002, 74, 976-984.

N.C. VerBerkmoes, M.B. Strader, R.D.Smiley, E.E. Howell, G.B. Hurst, R.L. Hettich, J.L. Stephenson, Jr., “Intact Protein Analysis for Site-Directed Mutagenesis Overexpression Products: Plasmid-Encoded R67 Dihydrofolate Reductase,” Anal. Biochem. 2002, 305, 68-81.

Y. Kim, G.B. Hurst, “Study of Matrix and Polymer Substrate in MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry of DNA,” Microchem. J. 2001, 70, 219-228.

Y. Kim, G.B. Hurst, M.J. Doktycz, M.V. Buchanan, “Improving Spot Homogeneity by using Polymer Substrates in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry of Oligonucleotides,” Anal. Chem. 2001, 73, 2617-2624.

W. Zhao, K.M. Murdoch, N.J. Condon, D.M. Besemann, K.A. Meyer, P.C. Chen, J.P. Hamilton, A. Zilian, M.J. Labuda, D.E. Thompson, R.J. Carlson, G.B. Hurst, M.T. Riebe, J.K. Steehler, J.C. Wright, “Comparisons Between 2D Doubly Vibrationally Enhanced Four Wave Mixing and Site Selective Spectroscopy,” J. Luminescence 2000, 87-89, 90-95.

S.J. Kennel, S. Mirzadeh, G.B. Hurst, L.J. Foote, T.K. Lankford, K.A. Glowienka, L.L. Chappell, J.R. Kelso, S.M. Davern, A. Safavy and M.W. Brechbiel, "Labeling and Distribution of Linear Peptides Identified Using in vivo Phage Display Selection for Tumors,” Nucl. Med. Biol. 2000, 27, 821-825.